Alternation of generations in plants permits mitosis, meiosis, both, or neither?

Answer 1

Alternation of generations in plants involves both mitosis and meiosis. In this life cycle, there are two distinct phases: the diploid sporophyte phase and the haploid gametophyte phase.

1. Mitosis occurs in both phases:

   • In the sporophyte generation, the plant undergoes mitosis to produce more diploid cells, allowing it to grow and develop.
   • In the gametophyte generation, the haploid gametophyte also undergoes mitosis to produce gametes (sperm and eggs).

2. Meiosis occurs in the sporophyte generation:

   • The sporophyte produces haploid spores through meiosis. These spores then develop into the gametophyte generation.

Therefore, alternation of generations involves both processes: meiosis for producing spores in the sporophyte stage, and mitosis for growth and gamete production in both the sporophyte and gametophyte stages.